Prior to opening Handfuls On Purpose, Ellen Meece worked as a teacher at the Christian School where their sons attended. Her husband, Mike, worked at the Maytag factory in Herrin, IL. In early 2006 they were told that the factory would be shutting down. After much thought and prayer they began to feel this might be the opportunity God was giving them to fulfill a long time dream of opening a Christian bookstore. They set out to try. On November 11, 2006 (their 23rd anniversary) they opened for business.

Many have questioned the unusual name of the store. It comes from the Bible scripture Ruth 2:16. Ruth was a poor widow living in a foreign land. She had little hope for the future. The only way she could get enough to eat was to glean grain in the field of a stranger named Boaz. Boaz had pity on Ruth and told his workers to let her glean anywhere she wanted, and even drop her a few "handfuls on purpose".

The book of Ruth is a beautiful picture of God's provision for us, His children. When Mike & Ellen received word that Mike's job of 27 years was soon going to be eliminated, they were initially shocked and a little concerned. Just like Ruth, however, God had a plan for them. He dropped them a handful of blessing, on purpose, just at the time they needed it most.

The story of Ruth gets better. Ruth wound up marrying Boaz and the field in which she was willing to toil for her daily meal, became the field she inherited. God's plan for us is even greater. If we are willing to work in His field, we are promised a full inheritance of all His "riches in glory". May God Bless each of you as you minister for Him.

Store Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm Mon thru Sat - Closed Sunday

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